Our heart is an extraordinary organ. It works around the clock, pumping oxygen-rich blood to every cell in our body. We speak of cardiac arrest when, suddenly, the heartbeat stops ("ventricular fibrillation"), ceases its function as a pump and stops the blood flow to our organs. Without any intervention, the brain, heart and other vital organs begin to be damaged. Brain damage begins within minutes of cardiac arrest and is irreversible after about 10 minutes.
The only way to limit brain damage is to immediately start cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. The execution of the CPR realizes two fundamental things, the first: the compressions on the chest reactivate the blood circulation to keep oxygenated the brain and also the heart itself. The second: a regularly nourished heart will have an easier time returning to its normal rhythm after the delivery of an electric shock thanks to the use of the defibrillator. The power to save lives in these cases truly lies in the hands of those who have learned the maneuvers of CPR and apply them immediately until, with the help of an external defibrillator (AED), the heart rhythm can be restored and the transport to the nearest hospital facility.
CPR maneuvers are simple, but you need to know them and apply them without fear: in the event of cardiac arrest, only inactivity should be frightening, and be ready to act quickly and call for help. For this reason it is important to acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge of CPR. A person with cardiomyopathy has a relatively low, but still higher chance of cardiac arrest than the general population.
AICARM Onlus suggests that family members of patients with cardiomyopathy acquire the skills to correctly apply CPR by participating in specific training courses organized periodically to learn CPR practices and the use of the semi-automatic external defibrillator (AED). Because everyone, really everyone, can learn CPR and offer life-saving first aid to anyone in need.
The CPR course for family members of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a general theoretical introduction and continues with the instructor demonstrating CPR maneuvers and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Subsequently, each participant is invited to perform CPR maneuvers on a dummy and to use a device that simulates the behavior of a real semi-automatic external defibrillator (AED). The course requires each participant to repeat all the maneuvers more than once in order to memorize the procedures well. It is therefore recommended to participate in the course in comfortable clothing that does not create difficulties in performing the required manoeuvres.
Next March, AICARM Onlus has organized a RCP course: it will be held on March 25 in Florence at the headquarters of the AICARM Onlus association.
Participation in the courses in Florence is free. Registration is mandatory.
ENROLLMENT IN THE FLORENCE COURSE
– Maximum number of participants: 12
To enroll in the course in Florence, the form below must be completed. Entries will be accepted in progressive order, if the maximum number of enrollments is exceeded, the excess names will be placed on a waiting list.
Venue and opening hours: at AICARM Onlus, Via dello Studio n°5 – Florence, second floor,
25 March 2023, 8,30 pm – 13,00 pm